---

In something of a surprise move— Chisago County commissioners, with the exception of Jim Swenson— took a chance on the people behind an application to house nine dogs on property in Sunrise Township.  Their Interim Use Permit was authorized 4-1 last week.

Three Commissioners had tabled the permit vote in early January, requesting language be drafted for findings for denial;  leaving the kennel designation in limbo.  The IUP allows for the property to exceed the three-dog maximum under ordinances.

Commissioner Marlys Dunne, who had voted for the draft denial document, announced last week she had a change of heart.  She visited the property and experienced the interaction between the family and the nine dogs.  She said she was impressed by the animals’ “comfort” in their environment.  Commissioner Dunne added that these dogs are not being circulated through like a short term foster service, but are beloved and some are at various stages in their lives where they probably will not live long.  

When the property owners get down to three dogs through attrition the IUP goes away and the property returns to a maximum three-dog allowance just like everybody else.

Commissioner Dan Dahlberg said he hoped the property owners “take the (IUP) to heart” and responsibly adhere to conditions placed on keeping of the dogs.

Commissioner Ben Montzka said he would defer to Dahlberg, as the permit is in Dahlberg’s district;  but he noted the parcel is narrow and the potential for barking to impact neighbors,  exists.  

Commissioner Rick Greene observed that many other of the county’s non-commercial “kennel” situations have gotten permits covering numerous dogs and this is not an abnormal request.
In other matters: a request to divide off three parcels from a 20-acre site was approved for “Keystone Pines” plat,  submitted by Glen and Donna Bergin.

North Branch resident Kathy Blomquist informed the Board she’d have to give-up her new seat on the planning commission for District 1. Extensive travel will make her unavailable to serve.  
Anybody interested, who resides in Jim Swenson’s Board district (which is the city of North Branch)  can contact county administration for an application.

Environmental Services Director Kurt Schneider sreports at least one person from all the lake associations in the county participated in a recent gathering to talk about this summer’s matching grant water resources plan.  The county has $250,000 in ARPA funds set aside to distribute to applicants with qualifying requests for matching funds.

Donations were officially acknowledged, including $500 each from Rush City Lions, Chisago Lakes Rotary for the Children’s Water Festival, and Trinity Lutheran Church (for Project Lifesaver) and $2,000 from the Watershed District Board for the Children’s Water Festival and $1,000 from Rush Lake Improvement Assoc. for the festival.

The Board appointed Mike Mergens and Steve Paquay to be county representatives for two year terms,  on the One Watershed One Plan group.

A three-year contract was okayed for the Law Enforcement union group. The LELS contract is generally a two percent hike for 2024 and two percent for 2025.

---